Certified OR Surgery Tech 1st Assist

Under the delegate authority of the surgeon, carries out all functions that assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient, including aid in exposure, homeostasis, closure of body planes, securing drainage systems to tissues, and selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings.

Responsibilities

• Moving and positioning the patient for surgery as directed by the surgeon, ensuring patient comfort, safety, and protection from pressure points, impaired circulation, or nerve damage.
• Prepping and draping the patient.
• Retraction of tissue and exposure of the operative field during the procedure, including:
  • Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding.
  • Use of packing and sponges.
  • Digital manipulation of tissue.
• Controlling bleeding during the operative procedure by:
  • Clamping and tying blood vessels.
  • Keeping the operative area dry through suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
  • Utilizing appropriate techniques for hemostasis, including:
    • Permanent methods: clamping, cauterizing, ligating, applying hemostatic clips, or placing local hemostatic agents.
    • Temporary methods: applying tourniquets, vessel loops, noncrushing clamps, or direct digital pressure.
• Assisting the surgeon by:
  • Providing optimal exposure of anatomy.
  • Identifying anatomy.
  • Knowledge of procedures and instruments required.
• Assisting in closure of the incision, including:
  • Tying blood vessels.
  • Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material.
  • Employing subcuticular closure techniques with or without adhesive skin closure strips.
  • Closing skin using the method indicated by the surgeon (e.g., suture, staples).
• Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings, including:
  • Liquid or spray occlusive materials.
  • Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.
  • Immobilizing dressings (soft or rigid).
• Familiarity with and ability to use equipment such as:
  • Fracture tables.
  • Head stabilizers.
  • Body stabilizers.
  • C-arm positions.
  • Any other equipment needed for the procedure.

Qualifications

• Credentialed as a certified surgical assistant.
• Completion of a first assistant certification program.
• Current certification as a surgical technologist.
• Two full years of first assistant experience.
• Current Kentucky Medical License (may have 6 months to apply).

CST/SA-C/LPN First Assistants who are also an LPN may perform additional duties as described in the LPN job description.